Use-after-free vulnerability in net: tw_timer_handler
Summary
GSD-2022-1000040: net: fix use-after-free in tw_timer_handler. Affects Kernel versions >= 61a7e26028b94805fd686a6dc9dbd9941f8f19b0, < 2386e81a1d277f540e1285565c9d41d531bb69d4. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The net package is a crucial component of the Linux Kernel, responsible for handling network-related operations. It provides various functionalities such as network protocol implementations, socket management, and network device drivers. The tw_timer_handler function within the net package is responsible for handling timer events related to TCP connections. This vulnerability specifically affects the tw_timer_handler function, leading to a use-after-free issue.
Vulnerability Detail
The use-after-free vulnerability in the tw_timer_handler function allows an attacker to exploit a freed memory region, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or a denial of service (DoS) attack. This vulnerability occurs when the timer event is triggered after the corresponding TCP connection has been closed, resulting in the use of freed memory. By carefully crafting malicious network traffic, an attacker can trigger this vulnerability and potentially execute arbitrary code or crash the system.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.10.90 or later. The fix for this vulnerability was implemented in commit 2386e81a1d277f540e1285565c9d41d531bb69d4. Updating to the latest stable version of the Linux Kernel ensures that the vulnerable code is patched and the use-after-free vulnerability is mitigated.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a workaround, users can apply the patch provided in commit 2386e81a1d277f540e1285565c9d41d531bb69d4 manually. However, it is strongly recommended to update to the latest stable version of the Linux Kernel to ensure comprehensive vulnerability mitigation.
Conclusion
The use-after-free vulnerability in the tw_timer_handler function of the net package in the Linux Kernel can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service. It is crucial to update to the latest stable version of the Linux Kernel to ensure the vulnerability is patched. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →
FAQ
A use-after-free vulnerability occurs when a program continues to use a memory region after it has been freed. This can lead to various security issues, including arbitrary code execution or crashes.
An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted network traffic to trigger the use-after-free condition in the tw_timer_handler function. This can potentially lead to arbitrary code execution or a denial of service attack.
The impact of this vulnerability can vary depending on the attacker's intent and the system's configuration. It could potentially lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing the attacker to take control of the affected system, or result in a denial of service condition, causing the system to crash or become unresponsive.
Yes, this vulnerability has been fixed in Linux Kernel version v5.10.90 by commit 2386e81a1d277f540e1285565c9d41d531bb69d4. It is recommended to update to the latest stable version of the Linux Kernel to ensure the vulnerability is mitigated.
Yes, a workaround is available by manually applying the patch provided in commit 2386e81a1d277f540e1285565c9d41d531bb69d4. However, it is strongly recommended to update to the latest stable version of the Linux Kernel for comprehensive vulnerability mitigation.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.
Follow Vulert in Google
Get more Vulert vulnerability and dependency-security updates in Google Search and AI results.